run-in
Americannoun
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a quarrel; argument.
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Printing. matter that is added to a text, especially without indenting for a new paragraph.
adjective
verb
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to run (an engine) gently, usually for a specified period when it is new, in order that the running surfaces may become polished
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(tr) to insert or include
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(intr) (of an aircraft) to approach a point or target
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informal (tr) to take into custody; arrest
he was run in for assault
noun
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informal an argument or quarrel
he had a run-in with the boss yesterday
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an approach to the end of an event, etc
the run-in to the championship
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printing matter inserted in an existing paragraph
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Insert or include something extra, as in Can you run this map in with the text? [Early 1800s]
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Also, run on . In printing, make a solid body of text without a paragraph or other break, as in The quotation should be run in rather than set as a paragraph .
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Also, run someone in . Take someone into custody, as in The police were going to run him in, but he got away . [ Slang ; mid-1800s]
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Visit someone briefly, as in If I have time, I'll run in to see Aunt Mary . [Second half of 1800s]
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Break something or someone in, as in Let's run in the new model on a short flight . [Early 1900s] Also see run into .
Etymology
Origin of run-in
First recorded in 1900–05; noun, adj. use of verb phrase run in
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This title run-in is going to be epic."
From BBC
Taran was less stoic, recounting a run-in with a neighbour who complained about the lights being out on the staircase.
From Barron's
With next Sunday's Old Firm derby looming large, Rohl is relishing the run-in.
From BBC
"The belief runs through the whole club and fans where they think, 'do you know what, we still have a great chance'. That will give them belief for this run-in."
From BBC
Arsenal's run-in looks favourable too, with just two games left to play against the current top six.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
